Reviewed by Richard Toller

One of a series of 'Word of God Speak' releases from Integrity Music, 'Illuminate' refers to God's promises of guidance and his plans for his people's good. The series follows in a long tradition - going back to the time of the Bible itself - of putting the words of Scripture in song, the aim being "an easy way to get Scriptures firmly planted in our hearts." To do this successfully, the music needs to be catchy and the lyrics repetitive to embed it in the listener's mind, but not so catchy and repetitive that the listener gets tired of it, and the words need to be clearly heard. This album succeeds reasonably well on all these counts, with a variety of American session singers fronting a band featuring electric guitars and keyboards. The 12 songs, based on three different Bible translations (NKJV, NIV, NASB) include such key Scriptures as Proverbs 3:5-6, Isaiah 55:6, Romans 8:28a and 32, Jeremiah 29:11-13 and Matthew 7:7-8 (look them up!). It's a good album to play in the car, you'll soon find yourself singing along and picking up the lyrics, which is the general idea; and, I hope, letting God speak through them. Downsides? Some of the songs mix two or three different Scriptures, no bad thing for the songs themselves, but perhaps not the best way to learn Scripture; and musically the simplicity of the songs means they are just not interesting enough to make you want to listen again.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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